Oscar Night Cocktail Recipe: "The Lincoln" White Whiskey Margarita

When the Oscars roll around, my husband and I usually shrug at the noms since we typically haven't seen any of the movies. This year, though, the mythical gods of "free-time" shone down on us and we were able to squeeze in a few of the films we usually only hear about. So it seems we will have a reason to actually watch the ceremony for more than the red carpet. Without hesitation, I grabbed the shaker to create an Oscar-worthy cocktail that we could sip while watching Hollywood's biggest night.

There are so many delicious drinks that could be used to mirror the equally delicious performances this year. While my personal pick for best picture would be Argo, I just can't get over Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln. I have no idea what Lincoln was really like but from now on he will indelibly be imprinted in my mind as Daniel Day Lewis. But as a cocktail muse, there was just one problem: Lincoln didn't drink. Yet I was determined to find the perfect sip for this performance so worthy of a toast.

After a few shakes I found the white whiskey margarita to be the perfect Oscar party drink, a nod to Lincoln's birthplace of Kentucky. White whiskey is not straight up moonshine, otherwise known as white dog. Those are spirits right off the still that never see a barrel and can burn the bejesus out of your mouth, throat, stomach...You get the idea.

This cocktail highlights Jacob's Ghost White Whiskey, which is a true whiskey aged for at least one year in un-charred white oak barrels. It smells like sweet corn in the glass but has a delightfully playful briny note. I first started sipping it with a simple squeeze of fresh lime juice, but this white whiskey works swell in all sorts of cocktails including a whiskey sour, a Bloody Mary and this Lincoln Margarita.

Below you'll find a recipe that makes two drinks, one to share with your own best supporting actor. While the man himself was reportedly a teetotaler, it doesn't mean Lincoln isn't worthy of a toast. So bust out some fancy hors d'oeuvres and pour up the Lincoln Margarita as a perfect conversation starter tonight or on Sunday at your Oscar party.

P.S. Today is also National Margarita Day, so here's to it!

"The Lincoln" White Whiskey Margarita

Serves 2

3 ounces

Jacob's Ghost White Whiskey

2 ounces

Cointreau

2 ounces

of fresh lime juice

Lime wedges

Coarse salt for rimming the glasses

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all of the ingredients and shake until nice and cold. Run the flesh of a lime wedge along the rim of the glass and dip the moistened rim into coarse salt. Fill the glasses with ice and strain the shaker into each equally.

Maureen C. Petrosky writes what she knows, food, booze and parties. Author of The Wine Club, she appears regularly on The TODAY show to share her vices, and advice with the world. For more info check out www.maureenpetrosky.com or follow her on twitter @maureenpetrosky